aleatory

[ ey-lee-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, al-ee- ]

adjective

1. Law. depending on a contingent event:

   an aleatory contract.

2. of or relating to accidental causes; of luck or chance; unpredictable:

   an aleatory element.

3. Music. employing the element of chance in the choice of tones, rests, durations, rhythms, dynamics, etc.

aleatory

/ -trɪ; ˌeɪlɪəˈtɒrɪk; ˈeɪlɪətərɪ /

adjective

1. dependent on chance
2. (esp of a musical composition) involving elements chosen at random by the performer

Word History and Origins

Origin of aleatory¹

1685–95; < Latin āleātōrius, equivalent to āleātōr- (stem of āleātor gambler ( āle ( a ) game of chance + -ātor -ator ) + -ius adj. suffix; -tory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of aleatory¹

C17: from Latin āleātōrius, from āleātor gambler, from ālea game of chance, dice, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

This was the aleatory element in life, the element of risk and loss, good or bad fortune.

From Project Gutenberg

The aleatory element has always been the connecting link between the struggle for existence and religion.

From Project Gutenberg

It was only by religious rites that the aleatory element in the struggle for existence could be controlled.

From Project Gutenberg

The folkways, deeply concerned in the aleatory interest, work out the applications.

From Project Gutenberg

There is behind them an assumption as to the character and logic of the superior powers who rule the aleatory interest.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• accidental
• haphazard
• impromptu
• random
• spontaneous
• unexpected
• unintended
• unintentional